WHO Director-General Visits Syria Disaster Site, Expresses Concern Over Displaced Persons' Health

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), visited Aleppo in northwestern Syria, which suffered severe damage from a major earthquake, on the 11th (local time) with emergency relief supplies.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Upon arriving at Aleppo Airport that day, Director-General Tedros was reported by foreign media to plan to tour local hospitals and shelters along with the Syrian Minister of Health and the Governor of Aleppo.

Aleppo, once a stronghold of rebel forces, is currently under the control of the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad.

Director-General Tedros told reporters at the airport, "I have arrived with 37 tons of emergency medical supplies," adding, "An additional 30 tons are expected to arrive tomorrow."

He also stated, "We will continue to provide emergency medical services and relief supplies," and foreign media reported that he expressed particular concern about mental trauma such as post-earthquake trauma.

He emphasized, "People are exposed to various diseases including diarrhea and mental health issues," and said, "We will work not only on emergency rescue efforts following the earthquake damage but also on addressing the aftermath of the earthquake."

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 struck T?rkiye and Syria in the early morning of the 6th, resulting in over 25,000 deaths so far.

The news agency added that at least 3,553 people have died in Syria alone, including areas controlled by the government and rebel-held territories.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.